Bus

TTC may adopt regional smart card

TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) may soon adopt Presto, a smart card used by nine other area transit partners, making it more ubiquitous in the region, since 85 percent of area commuters include the TTC in their trips, thestar.com reported.

A big part of the province’s decision to develop Presto cards for $250 million was to facilitate transit trips using one fare card across municipal systems. However, the TTC has been reluctant to adopt the technology, saying it could cost up to $300 million to put the electronic card readers on Toronto’s buses, subways and streetcars. For the full story, click here.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.